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20 Gorgeous Beaches That Will Take Your Breath Away

Posted on February 11, 2018June 9, 2022 by Jenna DeMarco

Are you tired of looking at the snow outside your window? Close your eyes for a moment and imagine that you are sitting on a nice warm beach. The ocean breeze gently blowing on your face, and a nice cool fruit drink in your hand. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 most gorgeous beaches that will surely take your breath away. #11 is simply stunning!

1. Hanalei Bay (Kauaʻi Island, Hawaii)

2. Reynisfjara Beach (Vik, Iceland)

3. Copacabana Beach (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

4. Placencia Village (Belize)

5. Sanibel Island (Florida, USA)

6. Horseshoe Bay Beach (Southampton Parish, Bermuda)

7. Harrismith Beach (Barbados)

8. Railay Beach (Thailand)

9. Nassau (Bahamas)

10. Eagle Beach (Oranjestad, Aruba)

11. Long Bay Beach (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos)

12. Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

13. Seven Mile Beach (Cayman Islands)

14. Flamenco Beach (Culebra, Puerto Rico)

15. Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco, Mexico)

16. Pink Beach (Zamboanga, Phiippines)

17. Pampelonne Beach (Saint Tropez, France)

18. Es Cavellet Beach (Ibiza, Spain)

19. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (Hawaii)

20. Gulf Shores (Alabama, USA)

About the Author: Jenna DeMarco

Hello fellow BoredTravel.com readers! My name is Jenna and I love to travel. Join me each week as I post a new article on various destinations, events, adventures, and more. Writing is a true passion of mine and I hope you enjoy taking this journey with me. Thank you for reading and safe travels!

5 New Luxury Hotel Openings In Philadelphia For 2018

Posted on January 18, 2018June 9, 2022 by Jenna DeMarco

In 2018, the total hotel inventory in Philadelphia is expected to grow by 20% and the last 12 months have been busy for Philadelphia’s hotel scene, with the city welcoming a host of exciting new hotels including AKA University City, Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel, The Study at University City and Aloft Philadelphia Downtown.

Further new hotel openings in 2017 and 2018 include the Fairfield Inn and Suites in December 2017. Later in 2018, scheduled openings will also include Starwood’s new dual-branded W and Element Hotels and the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, which will provide guests with sky-high views of the city.

Here are five new luxury hotels to look out for:

Aloft Hotel by Starwood

The 1929 Liberty Title and Trust Building is a stalwart of historic architecture in Philadelphia and after years of being vacant, the historically-certified 21-story complex is being renovated into a 179-room Aloft by Starwood hotel – the second from the brand to open in the city. With its superb access to the city’s ancient and modern landmarks, the hotel is a fantastic addition to the Philadelphia accommodation scene.

About the Author: Jenna DeMarco

Here’s What To Expect If You’ve Lost a Debit Card Abroad

Posted on January 18, 2018June 9, 2022 by Jenna DeMarco

Count those blessings if you have Wells Fargo. Now about the other banks.

Despite common advice, it could be a good idea not to cancel a lost debit card right immediately (fraud is the exception, of course). Replacing debit cards overseas isn’t a straightforward process, and an active card can still be useful in obtaining cash and accessing funds. It really all depends: Some banks, like Wells Fargo, will bend over backwards to help a traveler in need, but Discover, despite their friendliness on foreign transaction fees, isn’t able to provide assistance of any kind.

Take it first-hand, no access to funds and running out of money is pretty much one of the worst things that can happen on a trip. (I’d put it right below getting robbed and kidnapped, but above missing a flight and losing a passport.)

To see if it was possible to get a replacement debit card abroad, we contacted all the major consumer banks for their policies (and asked how long it’d take to deliver to Ho Chi Minh City as a consistent example).

Please note that these timings are all estimates, since there’s often many different external factors at play, like customs. For instance, one Schwab user reported it took a week to deliver a non-expedited debit card to London, despite the time frame given by the company.

Only HSBC provided no response after repeated requests for more information.

Here’s a quick chart:

Bank	Possible?	General Delivery Time	Expedited Fees, Delivery	To Ho Chi Minh City
Bank of America	Yes	10 business days	$15 for five days through UPS	4 business days expedited
Capital One	Yes. Free for branch accounts, $25 for 360 accounts	7-10 business days	$0, 2-4 business days; no expedited delivery option for 360 accounts	No estimate
Chase	Yes	No delivery estimate available since it can vary drastically by country¹	$5, no estimate delivery time available	No estimate
Citibank	Yes	Not provided	$0, 2-4 business days	2-4 business days
Discover	No	—	—	—
Schwab	Yes	2 to 3 business days	$15. Possible to issue a temporary card from VISA in 1-2 business days or a permanent card from Schwab in 2-3 business days.	2 to 3 business days
Wells Fargo	Yes	3 business days to Mexico, 4 to 6 business days to major cities in other countries	$0. Debit can be rush shipped internationally via overnight courier if we have a location where the customer will be at the time of delivery, which can vary by location and customs requirements. If the customer is not staying in the same location for several days, a customer can obtain a temporary card from an international Visa office within 48 hours. This temporary card can only be used for purchases and cash advances. A permanent card would be shipped to their permanent address on file.	4 to 6 business days

About the Author: Jenna DeMarco

You Must See These 17 New Buildings In Dubai With Your Own Eyes

Posted on January 3, 2018June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

With the world’s biggest ferris wheel rising, hotel expansions at Atlantis, The Palm in excess of £77m and Damac’s new luxury property due to open this year, it is an exciting time to be in Dubai. Have your breath taken away by the mesmerizing performances of La Perle as they begin their first shows or enjoy the multi-sensory Orbi Dubai experience taking you on a virtual voyage of discovery. All this and more are just some of the latest luxury developments happening in Dubai.

La Perle

La Perle, a brand new, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience has just opened and will reflect the beauty and flavours of Arabia as well as embodying the soul of its hosting neighborhood, the spectacular Al Habtoor City.

La Perle is the first ever resident live performance show in the U.A.E., with 450 performances a year. It is a 1,300-capacity theatre combining a range of technology and creative imagery to produce a spectacular visual display. Conceived by world-famous Cirque du Soleil director, Franco Dragone, 65 entertainers from 23 countries will perform an array of aerial and aquatic stunts during the show, above an on-stage floor. Unlike other performances, which are often modified to fit into a stage – the theatre for La Perle is tailor-made for the show itself. Seats are built to “wrap” around the theatre, creating an intimate and exciting atmosphere for the audience.

About the Author: Anthony Rizzo

Hello fellow BoredTravel.com readers! My name is Anthony and I love to travel. Join me each week as I post a new article on various destinations, events, adventures, and more. Writing is a true passion of mine and I hope you enjoy taking this journey with me. Thank you for reading and safe travels!

There Is Something For Everyone On Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Posted on January 3, 2018June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

What does your perfect holiday look like? Do you dream up white sandy coastlines, melting pink sunsets, bowing palm trees, diving dolphins and flavoursome cocktails? Does your imagination run wild, or does this place in your mind actually exist?

Mexico’s Pacific Coast is home to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, two neighbouring regions united in the beautiful Banderas Bay that will put your imagination to shame. These two destinations offer something for everyone: families, friends, couples, newlyweds and honeymooners. No matter who you are, you’ll find your paradise here.

About the Author: Anthony Rizzo

5 Incredible Reasons To Visit Abu Dhabi Right Now

Posted on January 3, 2018June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

Abu Dhabi’s popularity as a tourist destination has rocketed recently, and it’s not hard to see why. With it’s brilliant blue sky, Emirati culture, luxury hotels and exciting theme parks, this is a city that will please even the most discerning traveller. From exotic safaris to spellbinding mosques, here are five great reasons to visit Abu Dhabi.

About the Author: Anthony Rizzo

Top 8 Destinations To Visit In Colombia

Posted on November 17, 2017June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

If you are looking for a holiday destination which delivers cultured cities, friendly people, unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes, Colombia needs to be on your travel bucket list. This country has moved away from its troubled past to become a stunning part of the world which is unspoilt and unique. Here we take a look at 8 of the best places to visit in Colombia…

Bogota

The capital city of Colombia is a fabulous mix of modern amenities and old-world colonial architecture. The old town, or ‘La Candelaria’, is a historic downtown neighbourhood full of shops, bars and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy wandering the busy streets and visiting excellent museums such as the Museo del Oro which houses more than 50,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold. Further afield, there is a cable car which will take you to Mount Montserrate, where a fabulous view over the whole city can be enjoyed.

Recommended hotel: The Orchids. A stunning property in the heart of La Candelaria which encapsulates the charm of this underrated city.

Cartagena

A popular stop-point for Caribbean cruises, this beautiful city is a colourful and friendly introduction not just to Colombia, but all of Latin America. The walled city is an ancient and vibrantly painted maze of streets which boast an endless supply of photogenic buildings. There are woman in traditional dress selling fruit of every size and shape, and restaurants with tempting menus lining the cobble-stoned alleys. With a warm and balmy climate throughout the year, Cartagena deserves to be on your list when visiting Colombia.

Recommended hotel: Casablanca B&B. A charming property which dates back to the 19th century with white washed walls and stunning decor.

Medallin

The city which has risen spectacularly from the flames of its turbulent past, and become a forerunner in technology and urban development. After a cultural makeover, Medellin today is a pleasant place to visit, with many museums and a temperate climate year round – earning it the nickname ‘the City of Eternal Spring’. This bustling city is home to one of the biggest flower festivals in the world, the Plaza Botero and its artistic sculptures, an impressive metro cable and plenty of shops and restaurants to entertain locals and tourists alike.

Recommended hotel: Patio del Mundo. A serene hotel which is immaculately styled and in an excellent location.

The Coffee Zone

If you decide to visit Colombia, you simply must spend 2 or 3 nights in the famous coffee region. Aside from the fact that there are picturesque farms – known locally as ‘haciendas’ – dotted within the verdant hills, there is an overwhelming abundance of bird life. Colombia is widely known for having the most bird species of any country worldwide, and many of these can be found here. In addition, the region is home to the stunning Cocora Valley and traditional towns such as Salento and Filandia.

Recommended hotel: Hacienda Bambusa. A traditional hacienda which is located within its own coffee farm and provides guests with a luxurious and authentic experience.

Tayrona National Park

With stunning turquoise waters, thick jungle and excellent hiking trails, the Tayrona National Park is an exciting slice of paradise waiting to be discovered. Located on the Caribbean coastline, this large area of protected habitat is home to turtles, hummingbirds and monkeys. There are challenging treks which lead to ancient tribal villages and white sandy beaches to relax on afterwards. Access to the main areas of the park is by foot, and there are only campsites for accommodation within the park itself, but nearby there are some remarkable properties to stay in.

Recommended hotel: Tayrona Eco-Habs. Romantic and secluded, these thatched cottages are within a short distance of the National Park and boast stunning views over the coastline.

Villa de Leyva

A four-hour journey north east of the capital Bogota will take you to into a semi-arid zone and a pretty town called Villa de Leyva. It is one of the few areas in Latin America which has preserved its original colonial style, and little has changed over the last 400 years. It has an impressive town square – the largest cobbled square in Latin America – and a museum housing some ancient palaeontological fossils. The laid-back atmosphere and white washed buildings make this a very idyllic place to stay for a night or two.

Recommended hotel: Hotel Posada de San Antonio. Set in a traditional colonial-style house only 100 yards from the Villa de Leyva historical quarter, this is a hotel full of character.

The Caribbean Islands

Colombia has many paradise-like islands dotted throughout the Caribbean, but the most accessible and well-facilitated are the Rosario Islands and Providencia, which are just a short journey from Cartagena. The islands are everything you would expect from the Caribbean; relaxed, with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The area has been declared a national park due to its biologically rich coral reef and is therefore excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Recommended hotel: Deep Blue. Swim in the crystal clear Caribbean sea and relax with a fresh cocktail at this charming island hotel.

Tatacoa Desert

The Tatacoa Desert in the south is a fascinating arid forest habitat for anteaters, giant cacti and a variety of birds. Canyons are carved into the multi-coloured rocks and it is a bizarre landscape to behold. It’s isolation means that it is also a fantastic location for star gazing and every July the region celebrates this with a festival dedicated to the stars. This is a relatively unknown area of Colombia, making it a real adventure and intriguing place to visit.

Recommended hotel: Bethel Bio Luxury Hotel. Built from recycles materials over the last 100 years, this is a wonderful place to stay just a few minutes from the Tatacoa Observatory.

About the Author: Anthony Rizzo

10 Must See Experiences In Nepal

Posted on October 9, 2017June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

Nepal is best known for trekking and a lot of hard physical work! However there also many non-physically exhausting wonderful experiences that Nepal has to offer. Here are my top ten:

About the Author: Anthony Rizzo

The 11 Most Beautiful Beach Towns In The World

Posted on July 11, 2017June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

Few experiences rival the joy of traveling to a beautiful seaside location. With the ample sun, open waters, and good-natured locals, nothing can get in the way of a relaxing vacation. Nothing, that is, but busy crowds jostling for the same thing you are: the best hotels, dining options, and spots on the beach to enjoy. But don’t let that get in your way of enjoying some breathtaking seaside escapes. From tiny islands off the coats of Thailand to seemingly forgotten towns along Oregon’s Pacific coast, AD survey’s the eleven best small beach towns around the globe you’ll be sure to enjoy — without the hassle of large crowds. In fact, these locations are so beautifully quaint, you’ll likely daydream of leaving your desk job to move to one of these spots for good.

St. George’s, Bermuda

Not only is the town of St. George’s in Bermuda a UNESCO World Heritage Site (for the fact that it was the third successful English settlement behind St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Jamestown, Virginia), but it’s also a wonderful place to relax in paradise without the crowds. Indeed, with crystal-clear waters and buildings that feature white limestone roofs and exteriors painted in vibrant pastels, St. George’s is a must-visit.

About the Author: Anthony Rizzo

How to fly business class for the price of economy

Posted on July 11, 2017June 9, 2022 by Anthony Rizzo

In an ideal world, wed all love to travel in business class. Business offers leg space, delicious food, the ability to sleep in an appropriate horizontal position and, most importantly, Champagne on tap – which all culminate in a very civilised flight experience. Sadly, money doesn’t grow on trees. But fear not: it is possible to swindle business class seats, minus the business price tag. Here’s how:

1. Join a frequent flyer program

Airlines offer upgrades to their most loyal flyers. To join a frequent flyer program, simply sign up online. If you don’t actually fly that often, get an airline credit card that gives you reward points for purchases- most credit cards will reward you a certain amount of points for money spent. The advantage of accruing miles via your credit card is that it generally gives results quicker than using a loyalty program; not everyone flies constantly but you’re probably going to be using your card every day. However, it is worth considering that these credit cards may charge an annual fee and of course, the benefits are maximized only if you pay off your balance on time.

2. Use your air miles for upgrades

If you’ve racked up air miles but not enough to earn elite status on your loyalty program, or you don’t have quite enough for a free flight, spend those points on an upgrade instead.

3. Check for last minute updates

Depending on availability, you can sometimes upgrade your ticket at a discounted rate roughly six hours before your flight time. Call your airline to see if any seats are available last minute in business class; the cost involved can be as little as $150.

4. Keep your finger on the airline pulse

Business class seats frequently go on sale, so keep your eye out for them by signing up to newsletter updates with your favorite airlines.

5. Consider your flight dates carefully

The prices of business class seats are dictated by supply and demand, so you’re more likely to secure a better price if you fly at a time other business class customers are not looking to travel. Beware of flying at weekends and school holidays!

6. Use a travel company to get the best deal

Booking flights and securing the best deals are second nature to travel experts so they’re in a fantastic position to get the best deal for you. Booking with a tour operator also means your flights will be protected with ATOL legal bonding, so that if you’re delayed etc. you don’t have to worry about making other arrangements; your travel expert is obliged to organize travel logistics for you.

7. Fly from another European city that offers better rates

For example, flying from Norway, the Netherlands and Italy to a long haul destination can be a lot cheaper in business class. This is because they don’t tend to fill the seats so easily from these points and also taxes are a lot cheaper.

8. Offer to be ‘bumped’

If you’ve got no pressing time constraints to reach your destination, offer to be bumped on an overbooked flight. You’ll usually be re-scheduled on another flight with business class seats and get a great experience.

9. Look fabulous!

Wear your Sunday best and smile. Dressing up smartly is an unofficial but often successful way to get upgraded to that business class seat. Compliment the attendants and put on the charm, but be sure to make it authentic!